“Islanders got their first close-up look at a new health facility for lower income people when Whidbey General Hospital hosted an open house for the newly opened and long awaited South Whidbey Community Clinic (SWCC).The clinic’s primary mission is to serve low- to moderate-income residents of South Whidbey. Co-housed with Whidbey General South, the clinic is located at 11425 Highway 525 in Clinton next to Lumbermen’s. The clinic is nonprofit and dedicated to making high quality, affordable primary medical care accessible on Whidbey Island.During the open house, Dr. Haigh Fox and Physician Assistant Ann Blanchette conducted tours of the facility and explained the variety of services available.Primary medical care, preventive care and health education, well child exams, routine physicals and periodic exams, will be provided at the clinic. In addition, immunizations, treatment of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), and referral to medical specialists as needed are also available. The professional staff at the SWCC can provide assistance in finding health insurance as well as other health and social service support, according to Trish Rose, public relations specialist.Over 50 people attended the open house, including Hospital District commissioners, Island County Department of Health personnel and representatives from various social service agencies on South Whidbey. The sign-in sheet provided an opportunity for attendees to leave comments. The general theme to the written comments included, Thank goodness, you are here, You are really needed, and Terrific facility.. Several attendees were heard to say, It’s been a long time in the coming, so glad it’s finally here.For more information about the South Whidbey Community Clinic, call 341-5252.”